The countdown is officially on. The world’s greatest steeplechase, the Randox Grand National, is just days away from transforming Aintree Racecourse into the centre of the sporting universe. Whether you’re a lifelong racing enthusiast or someone who only places one bet a year, this is the race that stops a nation (and about 600 million people across 140 countries).
With a £1 million prize fund on the line, a max field of 34 fearless horses, and a trainer aiming for a historic third consecutive win, the 2026 renewal is shaping up to be an absolute thriller. To make sure you are completely up to speed, we have pulled together the ultimate one-stop guide for the Grand National 2026. From the confirmed start time and full list of runners to the latest odds and top tips, here is everything you need to know ahead of the big race at Aintree.
📅 When is the Grand National 2026? Key Dates
First things first, you need to get the date in your diary. The Grand National is the jewel in the crown of a three-day festival that is jam-packed with top-class racing and electric atmosphere.
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Festival Dates: The Randox Grand National Festival spans three days, kicking off on Thursday, April 9, and running through Saturday, April 11, 2026.
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Ladies Day: Friday, April 10, is the famous Ladies Day at Aintree, where the fashion is just as hotly contested as the racing on the track.
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The Main Event: The 2026 Grand National itself is scheduled for Saturday, April 11. The race is set to get underway at the slightly earlier time of 4:00 PM GMT.
🏟️ How to Watch, Where to Go & The Course
You won’t want to miss a second of the action, and luckily, you won’t have to. Here is the lowdown on how to tune in, get there, and what the runners are up against.
📺 How to Watch
For those watching from home, the entire Grand National Festival will be broadcast live in the UK on ITV1 and the dedicated racing channel, Racing TV. If you prefer to stream, the action will also be available live on the ITVX platform.
📍 Getting to Aintree
If you are lucky enough to be heading to the course, Aintree Racecourse is located just outside Liverpool. If you are taking the train, you can catch a direct service from Liverpool Central to Aintree station, a journey that takes just 17 minutes and drops you right next to the racecourse. If you are driving from the city centre, the journey usually takes around 30 minutes, though you should be sure to allow plenty of extra time for traffic on the day.
🏇 The Course: A True Test of Grit
The horses will be asked to tackle one of the most challenging courses in all of sport. They will complete two laps of the track, covering an epic distance of 4 miles and 2½ furlongs and jumping a total of 30 formidable fences. These are not your average hurdles. The most famous obstacles include the treacherous drop at Becher’s Brook, the sharp Canal Turn, the massive ditch in front of The Chair (the tallest fence on the course), and Valentine’s Brook. It is a race that requires immense stamina, bravery, and a little bit of luck.
🏆 Full List of Runners & The Ones to Watch
The final field for the 2026 Grand National will be officially confirmed on Wednesday, April 8, 72 hours before the race. However, the ante-post markets have already given us a very clear picture of the leading contenders.
At the top of the pile is the Willie Mullins stable. The Irish champion trainer is chasing an incredible third consecutive Grand National victory after winning with I Am Maximus in 2024 and Nick Rockett in 2025. He has a battalion of horses entered this year, and the bookies expect one of them to be tough to beat.
Here is a look at the leading horses and their latest odds:
| Horse | Trainer | Latest Odds (Approx) | Key Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iroko | Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero | 8/1 | Currently the market leader after a solid 4th place finish last year. Expected to improve and is carrying 10lb less weight than last year’s winner. |
| Jagwar | Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero | 9/1 | Stablemate of Iroko. Comes into the race in excellent form following a narrow defeat in the Ultima at Cheltenham. Has a favourable weight. |
| I Am Maximus | Willie Mullins | 12/1 | The 2024 winner and runner-up last year. A true Aintree legend, but faces the significant challenge of carrying top weight (11st 12lb). |
| Haiti Couleurs | Rebecca Curtis | 14/1 | Already a Welsh and Irish Grand National winner. Has the profile of a horse who is made for the Aintree test. |
| Grangeclare West | Willie Mullins | 20/1 | Finished a close third in last year’s race. Won the Bobbyjo Chase (a key trial) in impressive fashion earlier this season. |
| Nick Rockett | Willie Mullins | 25/1 | The defending champion who pulled off a 33/1 shock victory last year. Returns to attempt a rare back-to-back double. |
| Johnnywho | Jonjo O’Neill | 16/1 | Another JP McManus-owned runner. Won impressively at the Cheltenham Festival and has attracted plenty of support for Aintree. |
| Panic Attack | Dan Skelton | 20/1 | The sole mare among the leading entries. Trained by Dan Skelton, who is looking for his first runner in the race since 2024. |
Note: Odds are subject to change. Final declarations are confirmed on April 8.
💰 Prize Money: What’s at Stake?
Aside from the immense prestige and a place in the history books, there is also a staggering amount of money on the line. The total prize fund for the 2026 Randox Grand National is £1 million.
The winner’s connections will take home a life-changing £561,300, while the second-place horse will secure £211,100. Prize money is paid down to the 10th-placed finisher, meaning every horse that completes the course has a chance to earn a significant share.
🔥 Top Betting Tips & Storylines
Looking to place a bet? Here are a few key angles to consider as you study the form.
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The Weight Conundrum: I Am Maximus is a phenomenal horse, but history is against him. Carrying the burden of top weight (11st 12lb) is a massive ask in a gruelling 4-and-a-half-mile marathon. He could easily place again, but finding one to beat him might be the smarter play.
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The British Hopes: For the first time in years, the top of the market is genuinely split between British and Irish challengers. Iroko (8/1) and Jagwar (9/1) represent a major threat to Willie Mullins’ dominance and have been backed accordingly.
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The Late Withdrawal: There was heartbreak this week with the late withdrawal of veteran stayer L’Homme Presse, who was ruled out due to a minor lameness. His absence opens up the race further.
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The “Fresh” Factor: Keep an eye on horses who skipped the Cheltenham Festival to come into Aintree fresh. This is a common tactic for trainers targeting the Grand National, and it often pays dividends.
💎 Final Word: Your Grand National Cheat Sheet
With the race just days away, the excitement is reaching fever pitch. We will have a much clearer picture of the final 34 runners after the final declaration stage on Wednesday, April 8. But for now, you are fully armed with the key details.
To summarise your Grand National 2026 cheat sheet:
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🗓️ Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026
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⏰ Start Time: 4:00 PM GMT
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📍 Where: Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool
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📺 Watch: ITV1, Racing TV & ITVX
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🏇 Favourite: Iroko (8/1)
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💰 Prize Fund: £1 million (£561,300 to the winner)
It promises to be a spectacular afternoon of sport. Enjoy the race, and may the best horse win!
Disclaimer: Horse racing odds are subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.
